On Community Support for Crime Prevention
By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
It was quite worrisome the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers and the abduction of innocent schoolchildren and teachers in Ekiti.
The spates of kidnappings and other forms of criminality in Ekiti, a state in the southwestern part of Nigeria within a week are quite baffling.
Though the abducted pupils and their teachers have been freed and a number of arrests have been made in connection with the assassination of the monarchs, more efforts should be intensified in curtailing the excesses of underworld criminals.
It is gratifying to note the concerted efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebani of Ekiti over the incidents in his state.
During his visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the governor sought the support of the military in surmounting the increasing security challenges in the state.
Accompanied by the Senate leader, Senator Opayemi Bamidele, and other government top officials, the governor commended the military for their giant strides and selfless services in keeping Nigeria safe and indivisible.
Mr. Oyebanji noted that, with the current global emerging security threats, the situation would have been worse without the intervention and contributions of the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
After briefing the CDS Musa on the security situation in the state, the military chief commensurate with his visitor, and called on state governors to consider using the locals to complement and support security agencies in curbing the menace of criminality in the state by emphasising on intelligence gathering through useful information among others.
It is obvious that the issue of security is everybody’s business, as it is too cumbersome to be left to the security agencies alone. The multidimensional nature of insecurity facing Nigeria today can only be surmounted through whole-of-society approaches whereby the civilian populations have great roles to play in collaboration with security forces.
It has been noted that terrorists and other criminals find it easy to scheme and perpetrate their heinous crimes by blending with law-abiding citizens, which makes it difficult for the security forces to trace and locate their syndicates.
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However, the locals can play a crucial role in being watchful of any suspicious movements by unidentified strangers, thus, reporting to the relevant security institutions for prompt action.
Over the years, intelligence gathering and information sharing have continued to be a veritable tool in combating insecurity, thereby averting security threats and enhancing national security.
As such, the success of any military operation entirely hinges on the kind of rapport existing between the security personnel and the local populace.
Establishing and sustaining healthy relationships between security agencies and citizens as recommended at the recently concluded Psychological Operation (Psyops) and Strategic Communication (Stratcomm) course organised by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) are essential.
The 87 participants at the DIA programme believed that forging a cordial relationship among security institutions with the citizens, especially community and religious leaders including civil society organizations would go a long way in intelligence gathering for enhancing operational capacity.
When the community reports suspicious activities or crimes to the security service, it help them stay informed and take appropriate actions.
Similarly, community members can collaborate with security services in providing witness statements, helping to identify suspects, and share any valuable information that might aid in investigations.
Awareness creation on security and support for law enforcement help build trust and strengthens relationships.
Other areas of civil military relationship including partnerships, volunteering, engaging the youth about the importance of safety and security and sharing resources are essential for security services to effectively combat crimes. Collaboration, cooperation, awareness, and education are key elements in promoting a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Governments at all levels should invest initiatives for public awareness on security consciousness that will promote trust between the community and law enforcement personnel towards coordinated activities for safety and national security.
Mukhtar, a senior correspondent with Emergency Digest, is an NDA research student and the author of “National Security Strategies: A Young Writer’s Perspective.” Email: [email protected]
